Restoring forests in West Virginia’s high country

Red spruce trees grow on and near the spine of WV’s tallest mountains. These forests are home to endangered species, migrating birds and rare plants. According to historical accounts, WV’s mountains used to have more of these evergreen forests.

Red spruce trees grow on and near the spine of West Virginia’s tallest mountains. These forests are home to endangered species, migrating birds and rare plants. According to historical accounts, West Virginia’s mountains used to have more of these evergreen forests. Now, a group of federal and state agencies and volunteer organizations want to restore the red spruce forests.

Several inches of fresh snow blankets the red spruce forest atop Cabin Mountain in Canaan Valley. You have to crane your neck back to see the tops of the oldest red spruce trees in this forest. Their offspring surrounds us and look like Christmas trees flocked with snow. Canaan Valley Wildlife Refuge biologist Ken Sturm says this natural red spruce forest is what the restoration project hopes to recreate.

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